The Roundtable continues to lead the conversation on important higher ed issues with a recent op-ed in the Washington Examiner entitled, “Keeping Colleges Free of DEI” by Philanthropy Roundtable Adjunct Senior Fellow Patrice Onwuka. In her op-ed, Onwuka discusses the different approaches colleges across the country are taking when eliminating their diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs and departments. Onwuka also provides several ways civic-minded donors can give to higher-ed while staying true to their values.
Below are key take aways from “Keeping Colleges Free of DEI”:
“Stakeholders committed to academic freedom, student achievement, and equality of opportunity should be vigilant to ensure that DEI is not just rebranded under a new name and that efforts to promote true diversity and freedom of thought are replacing it.
“Florida is a case study that other states are following. Last year, Florida passed first-of-its-kind legislation defunding DEI positions and programming throughout the state’s postsecondary public institutions. It also ended policies that classified students and illegally promoted differential or preferential treatment based on superficial characteristics such as race, color, sex, national origin, gender identity, or sexual orientation, which have no bearing on aptitude or capability. At the time, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) said rooting out DEI practices would “treat people as individuals” and “elevate merit and achievement above identification with certain groups.”
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“Other states are following Florida’s lead. Texas followed the Sunshine State in passing similar legislation removing DEI offices. So far, at least 100 positions have been eliminated across the state but in ways that could lead to DEI being carried on under another moniker. In January, Utah prohibited DEI initiatives in higher education and state government. In addition, nearly two dozen states have introduced 50 pieces of legislation that would defund or eliminate DEI in public higher education institutions this year.
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“But the charitable community need not abandon the idea of diversity. Instead of equity, embrace true diversity: appreciating each contributor’s unique perspectives, backgrounds, and differences rather than the person’s participation in a demographic group. Grantmaking that’s true to missions and supports individualized pathways to opportunity will truly help people of all experiences.”
Please continue reading at Washington Examiner.
